When AI Changes the Rules of the Game

Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Text by Kseniya Milner | Event Management

AI is here—whether we’re ready for it or not. While many executives have heard about AI many times and may even have discussed it, concrete strategies or implementations are often still lacking. This is exactly where good leadership comes in: embracing innovation, empowering teams, and actively shaping performance.

On March 24, 2026, VBKI DIGITAL, in cooperation with Digitalagentur Berlin (DAB), hosted a digital webinar on this topic. Norman Wiebach, senior consultant in the Digital Empowerment division at Deutsche Bahn, provided insights into the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence for executives. The webinar was moderated by Dr. Norman Bernhardt, a founding member and co-chair of the VBKI DIGITAL committee as well as managing director of Imendo Deutschland GmbH, who led the discussion and provided participants with an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas.

Some key takeaways from the webinar:

• Performance Landscapes: In the past, many processes followed a linear path. With AI, many tasks now run in parallel—yet the natural dynamics within teams remain intact. Performance is not always constant; rather, it follows the “peaks and valleys” of a topographic map. There are various scenarios and theories regarding how AI might influence the dynamics and distribution of performance within teams. The key point is this: People remain at the center.
• Rethinking Leadership: From Gatekeeper to Enabler—Those Who Do Not Actively Shape Change Will Themselves Become a Bottleneck for Innovation.
• Real-world example: Formats like “AI Jeopardy” introduce teams to AI in a playful way, spark curiosity, and foster a culture of learning.
• Pace vs. Inclusion: The pace of change is rapid. Leaders should provide targeted support to high performers while also supporting all team members, so that no one feels overwhelmed by the changes and everyone has the opportunity to keep up.

In closing, it was emphasized: There is no time to wait; it is time to set out.

Many thanks to Norman Wiebach and Norman Bernhardt for their practical insights, to Nicole Voigt for her warm welcome, and to Digitalagentur Berlin (DAB) for their fantastic collaboration.